13th June 2019, Aria Books, 360 pages, Paperback, Review copy
Summry from Aria Books
The queen of urban crime is back with a shocking, brilliant new series –The Working Girls...
A TRIP TO THE DARK SIDE When respected journalist, Maddy, goes to interview prostitutes in a rundown Manchester pub, she doesn’t reckon on attracting the attention of their ruthless pimp, Gilly. He quickly decides to use Maddy for his own gains; he just needs to work out how.
ATOXIC AFFAIR In the weeks that follow, Maddy is oblivious to Gilly’s growing obsession with her, particularly when she begins a romance with successful businessman, Aaron. Their passionate love affair starts to dominate her life, and she finds herself losing control and alienating the people around her.
A TARGET ON HER BACK As Maddy’s safe and successful life starts to crumble around her, she must quickly work out who has it in for her, before it’s too late...
Nayu's thoughts
Writing this review has me smiling to myself because the major plot twist at the end is sheer genius. It came from what felt like nowhere, but it makes total sense - yes I felt like I had a light bulb switch on when I read it, and I look forward to rereading it to pick up clues which must have been dropped earlier in the tale.
Thinking back to my teenage self the next statement may sound weird, but I've had an interest in working girls since I was 13, as I read the Acorna series by Anne McCaffrey which is about a unicorn girl (back before unicorns were super popular) who helps rescue girls used in human trafficking specifically for illicit jobs. Ever since then I've been both fascinated and horrified in equal measure about the less than savoury profession, which is why I was so interested in reading Maddy's tale.
I was not disappointed! Maddy has to tread carefully because she knows that the women she interviews are watched closely by their employers. (Yes I am deliberately trying not to say the p word (both of them) because I am not entirely sure if it would be the best word to have on my blog). She must realise that she too would be watched, but the extent of that watching gets creepy and gave me chills. Maddy does well to get any information about the girls' lives. They have such little control over their job which makes me sad. I understood why Maddy was pursuing her story, but she had no clue just how much danger she would get in. Or the consequences of falling for Aaron, which are life changing and she is in way too deep by the time she realises something isn't quite right. Is it too late for her? Maybe, you'll just have to read it!
Forgive me for saying this but I liked seeing Maddy's life spiral out of control because it shows just how consuming in a negative way a relationship can be. I was both amazed and appalled at how casually she reacted when her job was affected. Her lack of care wasn't healthy in any way: there is lovesick and lovestupid, and she was the latter. As she dropped metaphorical plates all over the place her loved ones notice, they are concerned but Maddy doesn't see their point of view. I wanted to figuratively bash Maddy's
head against a wall for being so blinkered in her relationship. As a
journalist she should have known better, but when hormones are involved
people tend to throw reason out the window.
Both she and her friends have no idea about Gilly's motive, which was frustrating because Gilly is not a guy to be messed with, and he is a creep, adding another layer of danger to Maddy's life. I was glad to read this book in one sitting because being left in suspense at the end of a chapter was infuriatingly wonderful.
The great news is that this is the first book in trilogy, and I have spotted book 2 is out at the end of this year so not long to find out more about Maddy's world (although I am fairly sure focuses on a different character, judging from the title). Go read it! You won't be disappointed with this thriller.
Find out more about Heather on her website and on social media.
Facebook: @HeatherBurnsideAuthor
Twitter: @heatherbwriter
Learn about Aria Books on their website and social media. Website:
Facebook: @ariafiction
Twitter: @aria_fiction
Instagram: @ariafiction
Suggested read
I haven't reviewed the Acorna series by Anne McCaffrey and Margaret Ball (apologies for forgetting Margaret wrote it too) yet but I hope to rectify that this year. It's a great read!
2 comments:
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am really pleased that it had the effect that I was aiming for when I wrote it. :)
You are most welcome Heather! Glad to have fulfilled your aim.
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